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Wild Horse State Recreation Area

4 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

Boating, fishing, and paddling on Wild Horse Reservoir draw most visitors to this Nevada State Parks campground set in remote high desert terrain roughly 35 miles south of Owyhee. The campground splits into two loops of about a dozen sites each, with easy pull-through access for rigs up to 50 feet. Sites are sandy and flat, each with a covered picnic table and fire ring.

Reviewers consistently note the cleanliness here. A camp host actively rakes sites between guests and keeps bathrooms in good shape. The southern loop has flush toilets and tiled showers. The northern loop uses pit toilets. Water hydrants are distributed throughout, and a dump station is available for RVs. Generators are common, so expect some noise during the day. The campground stays full in season, so reservations are worth booking in advance.

John H. notes the camp host was "ready to share his fishing tips," which reflects how active the host presence tends to be. A boat ramp with ample parking sits just below the campground, giving anglers and paddlers direct water access. Forest roads in the surrounding area work well for mountain biking and hiking, including a route to an old gold mine. Cell service is inconsistent at the campground level but may be available at higher elevations. Campers exploring campgrounds near Wild Horse Reservoir State Recreation Area will find additional options close by, including Wild Horse Rec Area 2 and North Wildhorse Campground. Stock up on fuel and groceries before arriving, as the nearest services are a significant drive away.

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Map & DirectionsWild Horse State Recreation Area is located in Nevada near Owyhee

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Directions

The park is located 67 miles north of Elko on State Route 225.

Address

Hc31 Box 265
Elko, NV 89801

Coordinates

41.67078501 N
115.80014949 W

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/7/26

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Presented byHershey's

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 8/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 2 users
    Last on 8/7/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Alcohol
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Wild Horse State Recreation Area

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4.5

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4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the exceptionally clean sites and high-quality bathroom facilities with custom features at this remote Nevada location. Guests commonly noted the friendly camp host and well-maintained grounds, though generator noise and distance to some facilities were occasional concerns.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2024

Pretty lake

Clean sites. Covered picnic tables. Bbq and fire pits. Pit toilets in one circle away from the lake. Near the lake has two flush toilet bathrooms and two high volume showers. Quite a walk from our site

Site19
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Wild Horse State Recreation Area by DL M., September 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Wild Horse State Recreation Area by DL M., September 22, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 17, 2019

Wildhorse State Recreation Area

Very clean sites, I watched the camp host pull in right after someone left and make sure it was clean and the sand was raked for the next guest. Camp host stopped and talked with us, very friendly, ready to share his fishing tips. Clean bathrooms with sinks and the bathroom on the southern loop had showers! Water hydrants everywhere, with great tasting water. Easy pull through spots. Nice tables with shelter over it, fire ring, nice sandy camp area and trees planted to shade the each site. Popular campground, stayed full and people do like their generators which we did here a lot of. Good cell service with AT&T. No WiFi. Trash dumpster at the ranger station. Boat ramp with ample parking. Sanitary dumps with water if you need to refill your fresh tank or to use the spray in the black tank.

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2019

No wild horses, but a great campground!

This Nevada State Recreation Area is in a beautiful very remote location, along the Wild Horse reservoir. There are two camping areas with about a dozen sites in each. Each site has a nice picnic table, rain / sunshade, and fire ring...and lots of sun for the solar panel. The bathroom facilities are the fanciest we've ever seen for $15 per night. Can you say, "Custom tiled shower?" Someone did a really nice job. And, the campground is kept emaculate.

Just below the campground is a boat ramp and parking lot and swimming beach area. The lake is great for boating, fishing and paddling. The winds we experienced would make it a great lake for sailing, and sailboarding. There are numerous hikes along forest roads in the area that will get you up into the mountains (and even up to an old gold mine), but not alot of "trail hikes." Mountain biking is a great option along these backroads.

The nearest town with services is Owyhee, gas and small grocery store, about 35 miles to the north. There was no cell service in the campground, but we found it on our hike up the mountain!

Site25
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Wild Horse State Recreation Area by Shari G., April 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Wild Horse State Recreation Area by Shari G., April 29, 2019
  • Review photo of Wild Horse State Recreation Area by Shari G., April 29, 2019
  • (8) View All
Showing results 1-4 of 4 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Wild Horse State Recreation Area?

Fishing is the standout activity at Wild Horse State Recreation Area, with the reservoir offering excellent opportunities to catch a variety of fish. The location's remote and beautiful setting makes it ideal for nature appreciation, photography, and stargazing. The reservoir provides water-based recreation options, and the surrounding area is suitable for hiking and wildlife viewing. The peaceful environment also makes it perfect for relaxation and picnicking at the covered tables provided at each campsite.

What camping facilities are available at Wild Horse Reservoir?

Wild Horse State Recreation Area offers two camping loops with approximately a dozen sites in each area. Each campsite features a picnic table with a sun/rain shade, fire ring, and BBQ grill. The campground provides clean bathroom facilities with both flush toilets and pit toilets depending on which loop you're in. The loop near the lake has two flush toilet bathrooms and two high-volume showers, while the other loop has pit toilets. Sites are generally flat and well-maintained, with the camp host regularly cleaning and raking the sand after guests depart. There's plenty of sun exposure for solar panels if you're using them.

How do I get to Wild Horse Campground in Nevada?

Wild Horse State Recreation Area is located in a very remote part of northeastern Nevada along Wild Horse Reservoir. While specific driving directions aren't detailed in the available information, the campground is accessible by road. Given its remote location, it's advisable to plan your route carefully using updated maps or navigation systems before departing. Be prepared for potentially limited services along the way. Contact Nevada State Parks for precise directions based on your starting point, especially if traveling during winter when road conditions may be challenging.

Are there cabins available at Wild Horse Reservoir?

No, Wild Horse State Recreation Area does not offer cabins. The camping accommodations consist of traditional campsites with picnic tables, sun/rain shades, and fire rings. For those seeking shelter, you'll need to bring your own tent, RV, or other camping equipment. The recreation area focuses on providing well-maintained campsites rather than cabin facilities. Visitors planning an overnight stay should come prepared with appropriate camping gear for the season.

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